Honda owners and service manuals

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year. Honda surpassed Nissan in 2001 to become the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer. As of August 2008, Honda surpassed Chrysler as the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the United States. Honda was the seventh largest automobile manufacturer in the world behind Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen AG, Hyundai Motor Group, Ford, and Nissan in 2010.

Honda's entrance into the American market was done with the motorcycle. The American Honda Motor Company was established in 1959 and saw profits from motorcycle sales almost immediately. By 1962 American Honda was selling more than 40,000 motorcycles annually. Because of the success of the motorcycle in the States Honda decided to unleash its version of the automobile. In 1959 the N600 model was launched in Hawaii and by May the car was being sold on the mainland. While the entrance of the Formula One Model into the racing circuit was applauded by the country in 1964 the Honda Civics' reception was less than welcoming.

The latest Honda Civic isn't really a no-brainer choice as its forbearers were, but it still comes recommended thanks to its clever interior, wide range of models and aforementioned strong reputation. For small car shoppers looking for a used vehicle, the Civic is certainly a smart choice, as its long production run and wide range of models make it easy to find what you want.

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